Varespladib Receives 2010 European Society Pediatric Research Award

HAYWARD, Calif., Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANTH), a biopharmaceutical company developing drugs to treat serious diseases associated with inflammation, today announced that their product candidate varespladib (A-001) was awarded the 2010 European Society Pediatric Research Award at the Third Congress of the European Academy of Pediatric Societies 2010 in Copenhagen, Denmark where Dr. Daniele De Luca, MD, PhDst at the University Pope's Hospital and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart in Rome, presented their study "New Anti-inflammatory Therapy for Neonatal Acute Lung Injury: Varespladib (A-001) Inhibits Ex-Vivo Secretory Phospholipase A2."

"This is a ground breaking study that demonstrates the possibility of inhibiting the enzyme responsible for surfactant catabolism in critically ill infants and neonates," stated Dr. De Luca. "Given the results obtained with varespladib we may now start designing studies for its use as a new anti-inflammatory therapy in conditions that do not have clearly efficacious therapies. Sparing endogenous surfactant and reducing inflammation using varespladib may be really helpful given the high mortality and morbidity of such conditions."

The aim of the study was to test varespladib efficacy in an ex-vivo model of direct endotracheal administration in various types of neonatal acute lung injury. The study found that varespladib efficaciously inhibits sPLA2 in an ex-vivo model of direct administration. This might have important anti-inflammatory effects and spare surfactant from its catabolism.

About European Academy of Pediatric Societies

The EAPS is a partnership between the European Academy of Pediatrics, the European Society for Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care and the European Society for Pediatric Research. The EAPS Congress combines interest for pediatricians from primary care, general pediatric practice and specialty practice with a program for intensive care and general pediatric nursing.

About Anthera Pharmaceuticals

Anthera Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat serious diseases associated with inflammation, including cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Anthera has one Phase 3 clinical program, A-002, and two Phase 2 clinical programs, A-623 and A-001. A-002 and A-001 inhibit a novel enzyme target known as sPLA2 . Elevated levels of sPLA2 have been implicated in a variety of acute inflammatory conditions, including acute coronary syndrome and acute chest syndrome, as well as chronic diseases such as stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Anthera's Phase 2 product candidate, A-623, targets elevated levels of B-lymphocyte stimulator (BAFF) which has been associated with a variety of B-Cell mediated autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). For more information, please visit www.anthera.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release that refer to future events are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on Anthera's expectations as of the date of this press release and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially as set forth in the Company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Anthera's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. Anthera disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.